It was not a night to remember on Friday for a number of northeast Georgia football programs, as the first round of the high school playoffs saw just three area teams march on to the second round.
Mill Creek, Buford and Jefferson each won handily in their respective classifications. Yet nine more area teams saw their seasons come to an end in the opening salvo of the postseason.
(NOTE: Visit our Friday Game Night page for game stories and video highlights from playoff contests for northeast Georgia programs. Scroll down for a complete list of area scores, as well as a second round playoff glance. Also, check out statewide playoff scores here.)
The Hawks, Wolves and Dragons joined northeast Georgia programs West Hall and Banks County -- which were already through -- in the second round. Meanwhile, two more area teams (Rabun County and Union County) will play on Saturday for their own "Sweet 16" berths. After earning a first round bye in the Class A Public bracket, Commerce will also begin their playoff trek next week in the second round.
Mill Creek left little doubt in their Class AAAAAAA opener, pulling away for a 41-0 win over Newton to set up a second round showdown with Cherokee next week in Hoschton.
Buford too dominated in Class AAAAA, hammering North Springs 45-7. The Wolves will play host to Jones County next week.
Jefferson, meanwhile, stormed past Pickens 59-21 in Class AAAA. The Dragons will play host to West Laurens in the second round.
West Hall defeated Troup 24-21 on Thursday in Class AAAA, while Banks County took a forfeit win over KIPP to move on in Class AA. The Spartans will travel to take on Thomson in the Sweet 16, while Banks County faces Benedictine.
Elsewhere, North Gwinnett came the closest of area squads to extending its season, falling to South Gwinnett 17-13 on the road. Region 8-AAAAAA saw three representatives swept form contention, as Gainesville, Lanier and Winder-Barrow each fell. The Red Elephants looked set for the upset early, leading Harrison 14-10 at the half only to watch the Hoyas pull away with three third quarter touchdowns en route to a 45-24 win.
Region 7-AAA also suffered through a tough night, as North Hall and Dawson County fell. The Trojans battled gamely but fell 49-18 at Westminster, while the Tigers watched Lovett storm away in the second half for a 49-28 win. Region 8-AAA's Jackson County also fell 28-14 at North Murray, while Region 8-AAAA's Stephens County battled back and forth only to come up short, 37-30, to Heritage (Catoosa). Chestatee also succumbed to defending Class AAAA champion Cartersville's onslaught, 77-14.
FIRST ROUND STATE PLAYOFF SCORES FOR AREA TEAMS
THURSDAY
CLASS AAAA
West Hall 24, Troup 21
FRIDAY
CLASS AAAAAAA
Mill Creek 41, Newton 0
South Gwinnett 17, North Gwinnett 13
CLASS AAAAAA
Harrison 45, Gainesville 24
Allatoona 28, Lanier 6
Dalton 42, Winder-Barrow 7
CLASS AAAAA
Buford 45, North Springs 7
CLASS AAAA
Cartersville 77, Chestatee 14
Jefferson 59, Pickens 21
Heritage (Catoosa) 37, Stephens County 30
CLASS AAA
Lovett 49, Dawson County 28
North Murray 28, Jackson County 14
Westminster 49, North Hall 18
SATURDAY
CLASS AAA
Union County at Cedar Grove
CLASS AA
B.E.S.T at Rabun County
SECOND ROUND PLAYOFF SCHEDULE*
CLASS AAAAAAA
Mill Creek vs. Cherokee
CLASS AAAAA
Buford vs. Jones County
CLASS AAAA
Jefferson vs. West Laurens
West Hall at Thomson
CLASS AA
Banks County at Benedictine
CLASS A
Commerce vs. Taylor County
*-Union County (Class AAA) and Rabun County (Class AA) will each play for second round berths on Saturday
